Noise Control in Buildings PDF

Noise Control in Buildings
Guidelines for Acoustical Problem-Solving

“both
The technology of noise control
inside and outside buildings
is well developed today.
The problem is that
it is too seldom used.
Robert B. Newman, Architect
”
CONTENTS
I Introduction
The problem of noise in the built environment ................................................................................ 2
There are solutions ......................................................................................................................... 2
CertainTeed Corporation and its acoustical products ...................................................................... 2
Some historical milestones ............................................................................................................. 3
II Fundamentals of acoustics
Properties of sound: frequency, wavelength, amplitude .......................................................... 4, 5
How we measure sound; how we hear sound ............................................................................. 6
Other sound properties: duration, propagation ........................................................................ 6, 7
How much sound is acceptable? Noise criteria (NC) values ......................................................... 7
Sound paths, airborne and structureborne .................................................................................... 8
III Airborne sound transmission
Sound transmission loss, sound transmission class (STC) .............................................................. 9
Lightweight double-leaf walls .................................................................................................. 9, 10
Insulation density and STC ........................................................................................................... 11
Sound transmission loss and noise control ................................................................................. 11
Sound flanking paths ................................................................................................................... 11
IV Structureborne sound transmission
Floor impact insulation class (IIC) ................................................................................................. 12
V Sound absorption
Definition; measurement of sound absorption ............................................................................. 13
Properties of sound absorbers ...................................................................................................... 13
Sound absorption and noise control ............................................................................................. 14
Sound level reduction calculation ................................................................................................. 15
Reverberation time calculation ...................................................................................................... 15
VI Principles of SPR noise control
Controlling noise at the source ..................................................................................................... 16
Controlling noise along its path .................................................................................................... 16
Controlling noise at the receiver ................................................................................................... 16
Temporary sound control .............................................................................................................. 17
Three steps to noise control solutions .......................................................................................... 17
VII HVAC noise control
Fiber glass duct liner ..................................................................................................................... 18
Fiber glass duct board .................................................................................................................. 18
VIII Five noise control mistakes to avoid .......................................................................................... 19
IX Tables of sound absorption and sound transmission loss properties
Sound absorption coefficients, typical building materials ............................................................. 20
Sound absorption coefficients, CertainTeed fiber glass insulations .............................................. 21
Sound transmission loss values, typical building materials ........................................................... 22
Sound transmission loss values, wood stud wall assemblies ................................................. 23, 24
Sound transmission loss values, steel stud wall assemblies ............................................ 25, 26, 27
X Appendix
Acoustical guide specification ...................................................................................................... 28
Glossary of terms ................................................................................................................... 29, 30
Worksheet for calculation of room reverberation level and time ................................................ 31
References for further reading .................................................................................................... 31
CertainTeed CertaProTM acoustical insulations ........................................................................... 32
NOTE:
In preparing this manual, CertainTeed Corporation has taken care to include accurately all information relevant to basic application of
noise control products and systems. However, because of the many variables that may arise in construction technology, the importance
of correct installation of acoustical materials, and other factors including use and occupancy, no liability can be assumed for application
of the principles and techniques contained herein. CertainTeed Corporation makes no warranty, express or implied or regarding
merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose, in connection with the information supplied herein.
1
I. INTRODUCTION
The problem of noise in the built environment Who is CertainTeed?
It’s a noisy world. Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, CertainTeed Corporation is a member of the Compagnie
we are exposed to sounds we do not want, need, or benefit de Saint-Gobain family, a recognized global leader in high
from. There are few places on the planet where in our daily lives performance building materials technology and the world’s
we are free from unwanted sounds. preeminent manufacturer of fiber glass insulation products.
CertainTeed’s Insulation Group manufactures and markets a
Noise from many outdoor sources assails our hearing as it complete line of fiber glass thermal and acoustical insulation
invades our homes and work places: traffic, aircraft, barking products which include:
dogs, neighbors’ voices. Noise within the workplace—from CertaProTM insulation products for commercial construction.
office machines, telephones, ventilating systems, unwanted CertainTeed insulations for use in residential construction.
conversation in the next cubicle—distracts us from our work CertainTeed HVAC products for commercial and
and makes us less productive. residential air duct systems.
Noise from within the home—from appliances, upstairs The name CertainTeed means Quality Made Certain—
footsteps, TV sound traveling from room to room—keeps our Satisfaction GuaranTeed. We were the first fiber glass
homes from being the restful refuges they ought to be. insulation manufacturer in the United States to have its
Noise in the classroom impedes the learning process and manufacturing plants, Research and Development Center
threatens our children’s educational experience. and corportate headquarters registered to ISO 9001-2000
standards. Certification indicates third-party verification of
Noise can frustrate and impede speech communication. It can implemented quality assurance practices as defined in the ISO
imperil us as we walk or drive city streets. It can be a physical standard including document control, training requirements,
health hazard as well: exposure to high noise levels can cause management review, and system auditing. Product quality and
permanent hearing loss. conformance to specifications are continuously monitored in
our Research and Development Center and in the quality
In short: Noise is unwanted sound. control laboratories at all our manufacturing facilities.
There are solutions All CertainTeed plants have achieved ISO 14001 registration in
environmental management. And earlier this year CertainTeed
We don’t need to suffer the distracting, fatiguing, and had its fiberglass insulation products
unhealthful consequences of noise. There are practical and certified by the GREENGUARD
economical solutions to almost all noise problems in the built Environmental Institute. This third-
environment. To approach the solution to any specific noise party certification attests to the low
problem, we need to: emissions of VOCs, formaldehyde,
and other particulates.
1. Understand the basic physics of acoustics and how
noise—unwanted sound—is produced, how it CertainTeed acoustical insulation products provide another
propagates, and how it is controlled. important benefit in residential and commercial construction:
2. Learn the basics of noise control, and how to approach energy conservation. The high thermal efficiency of our fiber
the problem from three standpoints: the source of noise, glass insulation products means less energy is required to
the path it travels, and the point of reception. heat and cool our buildings. This reduces the amount of
3. Become familiar with, and discover how to apply in greenhouse gases from the
both new and remodeling construction, the acoustical burning of fossil fuels. All
products and systems that control noise—products that CertainTeed insulation
contribute to the creation of acoustically comfortable, products are qualified
productive and healthful environments. to meet the EPA and
Department of Energy
That’s what architects, engineers, contractors, and building “Energy Star” conservation
owners—anyone concerned with solving noise control prob- program and to wear
lems in all types of buildings—will find in this manual. It the “Energy Star” logo.
includes information on how to solve specific noise control
problems using CertainTeed acoustical products and systems. If you need assistance in solving noise control problems
These products are made of the most versatile, cost-effective, through application of CertainTeed acoustical products,
safe, and easily applied sound control material yet devised: please contact us at 1-800-233-8990. More information on
fiber glass. CertainTeed’s building products and systems is available
through our Fax-On-Demand Line, 1-800-947-0057.
2 Or check out our web site at www.certainteed.com.
SOME HISTORICAL MILESTONES
Take a seat—any seat—in the great semicircular outdoor

amphitheater at Epidaurus, in Greece. Place a player at the AM
PLIF
center of the performance space. Listen closely: you IER
can almost hear a whisper from as far as two hundred feet
OSC
away. The Greeks knew enough about how sound propagates ILLA
TOR
to have achieved this astonishing acoustical success as long
ago as the 5th century B.C.
SOUND
SOURCE
The Romans could design interiors with ideal acoustics.
Stand against the wall in Rome’s Pantheon and your breathing
can be heard by someone standing opposite you across the PLUG
great hemispherical space. The cathedral builders of Europe’s
Middle Ages knew how to build for maximum acoustical effect. WA ONE
AIR PRESSURE
Sir Christopher Wren and other 18th century architects VEL
ENG
TH
discovered how to design concert halls to optimize the
listening experience at any seat.
Still, little was known about the physical science and

measurement of sound until Sir Isaac Newton. He demonstrated
that sound waves travel through any medium—solid, liquid, or
gaseous—and that the speed with which they propagate
depends upon the elasticity and density of the medium.
DISTANCE
In 1866, the fundamental nature of sound waves was vividly ATMOSPHERIC
demonstrated by a German scientist, Charles Kundt. He PRESSURE
placed powder in a clear glass tube plugged at one end and
having a source of sound at the other. When the sound Fig. 1. Kundt’s 1866 tube,
source was turned on, the powder collected in little piles used for measuring wavelength of sound
spaced at regular intervals along the tube. Changing the pitch What was happening? The sound waves were entering the
of the sound changed the spacing of the piles of powder. tube, being reflected by the plug, and alternately compressing
and rarefying the air in the tube to form a standing wave. The
powder was collecting at the points of zero sound pressure
(Figure 1)—those points where the minute positive and
negative pressure components of the sound wave cancelled
each other out.
Kundt’s tube made it possible to determine the wavelength of
“ An essential
ingredient for success
sounds at varying frequencies—the distance between successive
peaks of a sound wave—by measuring the distance at a given
frequency between the piles of powder.
Today’s precision electronic instruments tell us that, in 68°F

in noise control is (20°C) air, the speed of sound at normal atmospheric pressure
a desire to achieve is 1,130 feet per second. On the basis of his experiment, Kundt
calculated the speed of sound in air to be 1,125 feet per
noise control.
David A Harris,
” second. Not bad for a primitive 19th century device!
Building and Acoustical Consultant
3
II. FUNDAMENTALS OF ACOUSTICS
PROPERTIES OF SOUND
To control sound in today’s built environment, we need to

know a little about its fundamental properties such as:
Frequency (pitch),
Wavelength, and
Amplitude (loudness).
Once these fundamental properties of sound or sound waves

are understood, we can proceed to implement effective noise
control measures.
Frequency (pitch):
Sound is a form of mechanical energy transmitted by vibration

of the molecules of whatever medium the sound is passing
through. The speed of sound in air is approximately 1,130 feet
per second. In steel it is approximately 16,360 feet per second Fig. 3. Most sounds we hear are more complex
and 4,900 feet per second in water. The denser the medium,
the faster sound travels in that medium. A pure sound wave of Healthy young human beings normally hear frequencies as low
a single frequency takes the shape of a sine wave (Fig. 2). The as about 20 Hz and as high as 20,000 Hz. At middle age this
number of cycles per second made by a sound wave is termed its range decreases to about 70 to 14,000 Hz. By comparison, the
frequency. Frequency is expressed in Hertz (Hz). The sound we frequency range of a piano keyboard is from 31.5 Hz to 8,000
hear is usually radiated in all directions from a vibrating medium. Hz. Because human hearing is most acute to frequencies in the
region of 4000 Hz, we hear a 4000 Hz tone as being louder than
Most of the sounds we hear, however, are a combination of a tone at some other frequency, even though the acoustical
many different frequencies (Fig. 3). energy, or sound power, may be the same.
For purposes of noise control, acousticians divide the audible

sound spectrum into octaves, just as the piano keyboard does.
These divisions are expressed as octave bands and are referred
f2
to by their center frequencies. Each center frequency is twice
that of the one before it. When a more detailed sound
spectrum is required, octave bands are further divided into
thirds (Table 1).
Octave band center

frequencies, Hz Band Limits
32 22-45
63 45-89
125 89-178
250 178-355
500 354-709
1000 707-1414
Fig. 2. Pure sound wave, as from a tuning fork 2000 1411-2822
4000 2815-5630
8000 5617-11234
Table 1. Octave band and band limits
4
Wavelength:
The wavelength of a sound wave is the distance between the start Because the sound pressure of a sound wave may vary over a
and end of a sound wave cycle or the distance between two wide range—a change in magnitude of ten million to one—
successive sound wave pressure peaks (Fig. 4). Numerically, it is sound pressure is expressed using a logarithmic scale. This is
equal to the speed of sound in the material such as air divided the basis of the decibel scale, which compresses the range of
by the frequency of the sound wave. For example: sound pressure into a scale from 0 to 150. The decibel (dB) is
not an actual measure of amplitude or loudness, but expresses
The wavelength of a 100 Hz tone at room temperature is the ratio between a given sound pressure and a reference
1130 ft/sec divided by 100 Hz which is equal to 11.3 ft. sound pressure. This relationship is expressed by the
following equation:
Amplitude (loudness): (Lp) = 10 log (P/Pre)2
Where: Lp is the Sound Pressure Level
The amplitude or loudness of a sound wave is expressed by P is the Sound Pressure (Pa)
its sound pressure level. Sounds having the same wavelength Pre is the sound pressure at the threshold of hearing
(equal frequency) may have differing loudness (Fig. 5). (0.00002 Pa)
Table 2 gives sound pressure levels in dB and sound pressure
in Pascal’s (Pa) for various sounds within the human ear’s
hearing range. Note that, because the decibel scale is
logarithmic, a sound pressure level of 80 dB is 1,000 times
that of the sound pressure level at 40 dB – not just three
times.
Sound pressure Sound pressure,
Source of noise level, dB Pa
Threshold of pain 120 20
Loud rock music 110 6.3
Metalworking plant 100 2
Average street noise 70 0.06
Average office noise 60 0.02
FULL CYCLE
Quiet residential street 50 0.006
Very quiet home radio 40 0.002
Inside a country home 30 0.0006
Threshold of hearing 10 0.00006
Fig. 4. Wavelength: the distance from start to end of a cycle
Table 2. Sound pressure levels for various sounds
“inExcessive
AMPLITUDE
noise
the classroom
AMPLITUDE is an unacceptable
barrier to learning
which our society
WAVELENGTH
can ill afford. ”
Lou Sutherland, Acoustical Consultant
Fig. 5. Two sounds of equal frequency and differing amplitude.

5
How we measure sound levels
A sound level meter (Fig. 6) is used to measure sound pressure A noise control problem may involve multiple sources.
levels. Since the human ear is not equally sensitive to all sound For example, two motors may be located at the source, one
levels, most sound level meters have internal frequency operating steadily and the other intermittently. However, the
weighting systems to give readings equivalent to how we hear total sound pressure level when both motors are operating
sound levels. These weighting systems are designated as A, B, will not be the total number of decibels produced by each,
and C weightings. Today only the A and C weightings are used. because decibels are not additive. The total sound pressure
The A weighting is used most frequently because it yields level when both motors are operating can be easily
sound measurements that most closely reflect how we actually determined as shown in Table 3.
hear. These response curves, which plot the relative response
in dB against frequency in Hz, are shown in Figure 7. If the difference between Add to the higher
the two sound levels is: sound level:
1 dB or less 3 dB
2 or 3 dB 2 dB
4 to 9 dB 1 dB
10 dB or greater 0 dB
Table 3. Adding dB to sound levels for second source
For example: If both motors are emitting 65 dB, when the

second motor is operating the total sound pressure level will
be 65 + 3 = 68 dB. If one motor is emitting 65 dB and the
other 70 dB, when both motors are operating the total sound
pressure level will be 70 + 1 = 71 dB.
Fig. 6. Sound level meter If one motor is emitting 65 dB and the other 75 dB, when both
motors are operating the total sound pressure level will remain
+5 at 75 dB, the sound level of the noisier motor.
A
0
RELATIVE RESPONSE - DECIBELS
C B&C
-5 How we hear sound
-10
B As noted, sounds at some frequencies are perceived as louder
-15
-20
to the human ear than sounds at certain other frequencies,
even though they may actually have the same dB level. This
-25
A demonstrates two interesting facts about how we hear:
-30
1. The lower the frequency, the less sensitive the human
-35 ear is to it, especially sounds below 100 Hz.
FREQUENCY RESPONSE FOR
-40 2. The human ear is most sensitive to sounds around 4000 Hz.
U.S. WEIGHTING CHARACTERISTICS
-45
-50 OTHER SOUND PROPERTIES
20 50 100 200 500 1000 2000 5000 10,000
FREQUENCY - Hz
How sound fluctuates with time can be an important factor in
Fig. 7. A, B, and C frequency weighting curves noise control. This fluctuation with time can take one of three forms:
1. Steady sound changing little or not at all with time, such
Continuous exposure to A-weighted sound levels over 85 dB as the noise produced by a fan. We can become so
can cause permanent hearing loss. It is possible, under perfect accustomed to steady sound that we almost cease to
listening conditions, for the human ear to detect changes in hear it after a while, unless it is too loud to ignore.
sound level as little as 1 dB. However, a change of at least 2. Intermittent sound, occurring more or less randomly with
3 dB is normally required in order to be detectable. A 10 dB time, such as a low flying airplane. Intermittent sounds
change in sound level is commonly heard as twice as loud, can be more annoying than steady sounds because they
or one-half as loud. repeatedly interrupt periods of relative quiet.
3. Sudden or impulsive sound, such as a gunshot, occurring
unexpectedly and usually startling or even frightening the
listener. If loud enough, such sounds can cause hearing loss.
6
Propagation:
Sound waves radiate directly and spherically outward from the The question becomes: at what level does background sound
source (Fig. 8), decreasing in amplitude with the square of the become too loud for a particular situation? A moderate level
distance from the source. The sound pressure level decreases of background sound can be helpful when it prevents private
6 dB for each doubling of distance. If, however, the sound conversation in the home or office from being overheard by
source is indoors, reflected or reverberant sound will add to nearby listeners, yet doesn’t make it difficult for those conversing
the overall sound level within the room to make up for the to be heard by each other. Very low level background sound
decreasing direct sound energy. can even contribute to sleep or rest when not interrupted by
intermittent or sudden loud noises. In some public places, a
somewhat higher level of background sound may be acceptable.
SOUND THE AREA THE AREA Other places, such as auditoriums and concert halls where very
SOURCE OF THE WAVEFRONT OF THE WAVEFRONT
low background sound levels are required, present particular
AT d, (1m) IS 4 TIMES GREATER
AT d2, (2m) problems in sound control.
Noise Criteria (NC) curves are one of several systems used to

establish allowable sound levels for various interior spaces. NC
curves are shaped to compensate for the human ear’s response
1m to loudness at octave band center frequencies and the speech
-6dB interference properties of noise. The NC curves are shown in
Figure 9. Recommended NC sound levels for different spaces
are shown in Table 4, page 8. Among other systems one may
encounter are RC (room criteria) curves, Free Field Loudness
2m contours for pure tones, and Equal Loudness contours for
-12dB random noise.
Detailed guidelines for determining allowable sound levels can

Fig. 8. Direct sound energy decreases with the square of the be found in Chapter 46, ASHRAE Handbook - Applications.
distance from the source
80
70
How much background sound is acceptable?
SOUND PRESSURE LEVEL (dB re20 mPa)
NC-65
60 NC-60
We have defined noise as unwanted sound. Whether we
are in our homes, workplaces, or outdoors, we will almost NC-55
certainly be exposed to a certain level of background or 50 NC-50
ambient sound. Before we can begin to solve a noise control NC-45
problem, we must determine how much background sound 40 NC-40
is acceptable. We can never create, nor do we really want, a NC-35
completely sound-free environment. We do not wish to live in 30 NC-30
a world without sound.
NC-25
20
NC-20
NC-15
10
“All materials are

acoustical materials.
63 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000
OCTAVE BAND CENTER FREQUENCY (Hz)
Fig. 9. Noise criteria curves for octave band center frequencies

Some are better than others.
Eric Unger and Richard Bolt, Acoustical Consultants
” from 63 Hz to 8000 Hz.
7
Type of space Acoustical considerations NC value
Concert and recital halls Listening to both loud and faint sounds 10 – 20
Broadcast and recording studios Distant microphone pick-up 15 – 20
Broadcast, television, and recording studios Close microphone pick-up 20 – 25
Large auditoriums, theaters, churches Listening to speech and music 20 – 25
Small auditoriums, theaters, churches Listening to speech and music 25 – 30
Meeting, conference, and classrooms Clear speech communication among a group 25 – 30
Bedrooms, apartments, hotels, motels Clear conversation with speech privacy 25 – 35
Living rooms and family rooms Clear conversation among a small group 35 – 45
Private offices Clear conversation with speech privacy 30 – 35
Large offices, reception areas, retail shops Clear speech communication 35 – 50
Lobbies, engineering rooms, secretarial areas Clear speech communication 40 – 45
Kitchens, laundries, laboratories Clear speech communication 40 – 45
Light maintenance shops, equipment rooms Clear speech communication 45 – 60
Table 4. Recommended noise criteria range for various interior spaces.
Sound paths: Structureborne sound
Sound waves can travel through any media—air, water, wood, Structureborne sound travels through solid materials usually in
masonry, or metal. Depending on the media through which it direct mechanical contact with the sound source, or from an
travels, sound is either airborne or structureborne. impact on that material. Examples are footsteps or objects
falling on the floor upstairs, a knock at the door, or vibration
Airborne sound from loud speakers on the floor. All structureborne sound
must eventually become airborne sound in order for us to
Airborne sound radiates from a source directly into and travels hear it. We can only feel structureborne sound as vibrations in
through the air. The sound of traffic passing our homes, the a material. In most noise control situations, both airborne and
sound of music or voices from the next room or office, the structureborne sound must be considered.
noise from low flying aircraft—all travel to our ears as airborne
sound. Three ways to control noise:
There are only three basic ways to attenuate or reduce sound,

whether at the source, at the listener’s location, or along the
path it travels from the source to the receiver:
1. Replace the sound source with a quieter one.
2. Block the sound with a solid, heavy material that resists
the transmission of sound waves.
3. Absorb the sound with a light, porous material that soaks
up sound waves.
“probability
There’s a good
that,
These three ways to control sound are discussed in more detail
in the subsequent sections.
if you can’t see the

noise source,
you won’t hear it.
Robert Coffeen, Acoustical Consultant
”
8
III. AIRBORNE SOUND TRANSMISSION
Airborne sound transmission loss Lightweight double-leaf walls
Airborne sound transmission loss is a measure of the degree One of the most effective ways to block or reduce the
to which a material or construction can block or reduce transmission of sound from one room to another is to build a
transmission of sound from one area to another. double-leaf wall. A double-leaf wall or sound transmission
loss barrier is any wall with two faces separated by studs.
All materials block or attenuate sound energy to a degree—heavy, Because of their construction, most double-leaf walls weigh
impervious materials more effectively than light, porous ones. less than solid walls with the same or comparable sound
Since today’s building technology depends to a great extent on transmission loss values. For this reason, they are called
light, flexible products like gypsum board and lightweight steel lightweight walls. We describe double-leaf walls as
framing, the challenge is to utilize these materials in designing “mass–spring–mass” walls because they have two
assemblies that provide optimum acoustical performance yet masses (faces) separated by air or studs (springs).
do not greatly increase the weight and mass of the structure.
The sound transmission loss or STC values of a lightweight
Measuring sound transmission loss wall can be increased as much as 10 STC points by adding
acoustical insulation to the stud cavity of the wall. The
The degree to which a material or construction is effective at acoustical insulation changes the spring properties of the
blocking airborne sound is expressed as its sound transmission “mass–spring–mass” composition of double-leaf walls. To get
loss (STL) value. Sound transmission loss values are measured the most effectiveness out of the insulation, completely fill
at each one-third octave band frequency from 125 to 4000 Hz the stud cavity. Lightweight fiber glass insulation is an
and are expressed in dB. STL values are determined and excellent acoustical insulation to use in double-leaf walls.
measured in accordance with ASTM Standard E 90, Standard
Test Method for Laboratory Measurement of Airborne Sound
Transmission Loss of Building Partitions and Elements. From
the sound transmission loss values, a single number rating
called the sound transmission class (STC) is determined using
ASTM Standard E 413, Standard Classification for Determination
of Sound Transmission Class.
Table 5 shows the relationship between STC and noise control

effectiveness.
STC Rating Speech Audibility Effectiveness
15 to 25 Normal speech easily understood Poor

25 to 35 Loud speech easily heard, half of normal speech understood Marginal
35 to 45 Half of loud speech understood, normal speech heard but not understood Good
45 to 55 Loud speech faintly heard but not understood Very good
55 and higher Loud speech usually not heard Excellent
Table 5. Relationship between STC and noise control effectiveness
The values above are based on a typical A-weighted

background noise level of 30 dB and are based on multiples
of five. Constructions with STC values within 1 or 2 points of
what is required or specified should be considered acceptable
as construction and test laboratory variations often exceed
2 or more STC points.
“If it itsounds good,
is good.”
Ron Moulder,
Acoustical Consultant
9
Sound transmission loss of double-leaf walls
Sound striking a surface such as a wall causes that surface to Noise transmission through the wall can be greatly reduced
vibrate, much like the diaphragm of a drum. The more massive by using resilient channels that eliminate direct mechanical
the wall, the less the amplitude of vibration of the wall. This connection of the gypsum wallboard to the wood studs
results in less noise being transmitted to the room on the other (Figure 12). Several resilient channel designs are available.
side of the wall. However, except in cases of exterior walls in With the resilient channels, the STC rating of the assembly is
large commercial buildings, it is rarely practical to rely on sheer increased to 57, an acceptable value for most uses.
mass to reduce the transmission of noise through a wall,
especially when attempting to solve noise control problems Double studs (Figure 13) allow doubling of the thickness of the
within the building envelope. fiber glass sound absorbing insulation in the wall cavity, as well
as further diminishing direct mechanical connections from one
In a conventional double-leaf wall—for example, one wall surface to the other. The STC rating is now 66—for a noise
constructed of 1/2” gypsum wallboard and 2” x 4” wood studs control effectiveness of “excellent.”
on 16” centers—vibration is readily transmitted through the
structure to the opposite side of the wall where it is heard as Many other possibilities exist for improving the STC ratings
noise. The sound reducing property of the air space (the spring) of double-leaf walls. These include the use of light-gauge
is negated by the wood studs, which form a direct structural steel studs that act as a softer spring between the two
connection between the two wall surfaces (the masses). wall faces and give a much better increase in STC values
Installing 31/2” thick fiber glass insulation in the stud cavity when acoustical insulation is used in the stud cavity.
increases the wall to STC 39 - not sufficient for uses requiring Steel stud constructions and other wood stud constructions
substantial noise reduction (Fig 10). (Without insulation, the may be found in Section IX of this manual, along with their
STC rating drops to 35.) Increasing the mass of the insulated STC ratings.
wall by adding a layer of gypsum wallboard on each side
(Figure 11) raises the STC rating to 46. The increased mass
decreases the amplitude of vibration and, therefore, the noise
level in the room on the other side of the wall.
Fig. 10. Conventional wood Fig. 11. Conventional wood Fig. 12. Resilient channels Fig. 13. Double stud
stud construction, single layer stud construction, double help minimize transmission construction permits twice
gypsum wallboard each side, layer gypsum wallboard each of vibration through wall. the thickness of fiber glass
31/2” thick fiber glass insulation side. Increased mass boosts STC rating of 57 considered sound absorbing insulation.
in wall cavity. STC: 39. STC rating to 46. acceptable for most uses. STC Rating of 66 is excellent.
10
Insulation density and STC Sound flanking paths
It is incorrect to assume that higher density insulation within When designing or selecting structures to reduce the
the “mass/spring/mass” wall system provides better sound transmission of airborne sound, careful consideration must
transmission loss. Comparative tests conducted at nationally be given to flanking paths. Flanking paths are paths or routes
recognized acoustical laboratories have shown that increasing that sound can take in traveling from one space to another
the density of the insulation while maintaining a constant other than by way of the main assembly separating the two
thickness does not have a significant effect on the STC rating spaces. For instance, a door in a wall assembly could be
of the construction. It is incorrect to assume that heavy a flanking path.
insulation in the core of a double leaf wall increases the STC
because it adds weight to the wall. To increase the STC of a As noted, any gap in an acoustical structure that leaks air will
wall by adding weight, the weight must be added to the faces also leak sound. Sound leaks are flanking paths that can render
of the wall, not its core. useless an otherwise effective sound barrier. Typical flanking
paths include joints between walls and ceilings, floors, or other
For this reason, mineral or rock wool insulation is not better walls; poorly fitted, unsealed, or undercut doors and windows;
than low-density fiber glass insulation. These same tests show and mechanical or electrical service fittings and openings.
that insulation thickness within the wall cavity is the most The following suggestions will help reduce flanking
important property, and that complete filling of the cavity sound paths.
between wall surfaces provides the best wall performance.
Doors: Hollow core doors are poor sound blockers. When
Sound transmission loss and noise control privacy is a key consideration, doors should be solid wood or
have insulated cores, and should be gasketed to prevent sound
Other than reducing the noise level at the source, the best from passing between the door and the jamb or sill.
way to resolve noise problems is to enclose the source within
a housing constructed of materials having high sound Windows: Double pane and/or storm windows reduce
transmission loss values. The addition of an acoustically sound transmission. Weather stripping helps. Windows facing
absorbent material to the inside of the enclosure reduces exterior noise sources should be small and as few as possible.
sound transmission. For example, Table 6 gives effective Double-hung windows should be able to be tightly closed.
noise reduction values in dB for an enclosure made of 1/2”
plywood, with and without a lining of 2” fiber glass insulation:
EFFECTIVE NOISE REDUCTION VALUES, dB OCTAVE BAND CENTER FREQUENCIES, Hz

CONSTRUCTION DETAIL 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000
1 /2” plywood, unlined 13 14 15 21 21 25

1 /2” plywood, lined with 2” fiber glass 15 16 19 22 25 27
Table 6. Effective noise reduction values in dB for plywood enclosure with fiber glass insulation lining
Enclosures for source control may be fabricated on the site, Wiring and piping: Holes through which wiring or conduit
or assembled from modular acoustic panel systems available passes should be sealed or caulked. Cutouts for electrical
from several manufacturers. Whatever the system or outlet boxes should be made precisely so boxes will fit snugly.
construction, it should be designed and built so as to enclose Do not install electrical outlet boxes opposite each other on
totally the noise source without air gaps; as noted, any gap in each side of a wall; these should be staggered. In bathrooms
an acoustical construction that leaks air will also leak sound. It on opposite sides of a wall, medicine cabinets should be
should be remembered that, when equipment is to be staggered. Holes cut out for piping should be sealed with
enclosed, it may be necessary to provide cooling air, caulking. Just stuffing the holes with insulation is not sufficient.
combustion air, or both. Care must be taken to prevent noise Sound can easily pass through porous insulation. One can stuff
from leaking out of the enclosure through air vents provided the holes with insulation and then caulk over the insulation.
for such purposes.
11
IV. STRUCTUREBORNE SOUND TRANSMISSION
Controlling sound transmission through floors is an important

part of sound control in multi-story structures. In addition
to the STC rating, which is related to airborne sound
transmission, floor/ceiling assemblies are assigned an
impact insulation class (IIC) rating based on how well they
perform in reducing structureborne sound from impact
such as footsteps or dropped objects. The IIC rating is
determined by ASTM Standard E 989, Standard Classification
for Determination of Impact Isolation Class (IIC). Test data
obtained in accordance with ASTM E 492, Standard Test
Method for Laboratory Measurement of Impact Sound
Transmission Through Floor/Ceiling Assemblies Using the
Tapping Machine, is used to determine the IIC rating of a floor.
Cushioning floor impact with a carpet and pad is one of the

most effective methods of improving the IIC of a floor/ceiling
assembly, but this does not significantly improve the STC rating.
To increase both the STC and IIC ratings of a floor/ceiling
construction, fiber glass insulation should be installed in the
joist cavity, with a resilient ceiling system below the joists.
The IIC rating of a floor/ceiling assembly should be equal to
or better than its STC rating to achieve equal performance in
controlling both airborne and structureborne sound. Figure 14
shows a typical floor/ceiling assembly.
“such
There is no
thing as
Fig. 14. Floor/ceiling assembly with carpet and pad, particle
board underlayment, plywood subfloor, resilient channels and
gypsum board ceiling,with fiber glass insulation in joist cavities.
good acoustics
STC = 53; IIC = 73. and bad acoustics:
only appropriate
acoustics and
inappropriate
acoustics. ”
Robert Coffeen, Acoustical Consultant
12
V. SOUND ABSORPTION
Definitions
We have defined sound as a form of energy. Sound absorption Note that sound absorption tends to increase with material
is the ability of a material to transform acoustical energy into thickness (but does not always do so). Also note that some
some other form of energy, usually heat. All materials absorb values exceed 1.00. It is of course impossible for any material
some acoustical energy. Some materials such as gypsum to absorb more acoustical energy than that which strikes its
board absorb it poorly, reflecting most of the energy that surface. However, sound absorption measurements of highly
strikes their surfaces, while other materials such as fiber glass absorptive materials often yield sound absorption coefficients
insulation absorb most of it. greater than 1.00 due to diffraction effects. These values are
reported as required by the test standard. When using sound
Measuring sound absorption: The decimal fraction of the absorption coefficients in calculations, values above 1.00
sound energy absorbed and not reflected by a material is should be reduced to values less than 1.00. Differences in
termed its sound absorption coefficient. As materials absorb noise reduction coefficients as small as 0.05 cannot be
different amounts of sound energy at different frequencies, detected by the human ear.
sound absorption coefficients are measured at one-third
octave band center frequencies from 125 to 4000 Hz. The sound absorption coefficients of a material are used to
calculate the sabins of absorption when that material is used.
Building materials are generally rated by their noise reduction The sabin is the unit of measure of sound absorption in the
coefficient (NRC). This single number rating is the average of English system of units. It is equal to the sound absorption
the sound absorption coefficients of a material at 250, 500, coefficient of a material times the area of the material used.
1000, and 2000 Hz, rounded to the nearest .05. Sound For example, if a material has a sound absorption coefficient of
absorption coefficients and single number rating values are 0.57 at 500 Hz and 250 square feet of this material is used in a
determined using ASTM Standard C 423, Standard Test Method room, then the sabins of absorption for this material at 500 Hz
for Sound Absorption and Sound Absorption Coefficients by the is 0.57 x 250 = 142.5 sabins. The sabins of absorption are used
Reverberation Room Method. A material is usually considered to calculate noise reduction in a room and reverberation time
to be a sound absorber if it has a NRC value greater than 0.35. which are discussed in later paragraphs.
The sound absorption performance of a material is commonly To be an effective sound absorber, a material must have
published as a table of sound absorption coefficients at octave interconnecting air pockets or cells. Fiber glass insulation is a
band center frequencies from 125 to 4000 Hz. For example, very good sound absorber because it has many interconnecting
Table 6 gives sound absorption data for CertainTeed CertaProTM air pockets. Other effective sound absorbers, called resonators,
Commercial Board, Type CB 300. typically employ small perforations or slots that allow sound to
enter but not to escape easily. Wood slat panels and slotted
A new single number rating for sound absorption that will be concrete masonry units operate on this principle.
replacing the NRC over the next several years is the sound
absorption average (SAA). This is the average of the sound Another type, the Helmholtz Resonator, is a chamber with a
absorption coefficients of a material from 200 through 2500 Hz small orifice, like a bottle; most of the sound entering the
inclusive. As is the case with the NRC rating, a material is chamber is refracted within it and does not escape from it.
usually considered to be a sound absorber if it has a SAA value Most resonators are effective only in a very narrow frequency
greater than 0.35. range. Membranes or diaphragms stretched tightly over rigid
perforated materials are also effective sound absorbers.
SOUND ABSORPTION COEFFICIENTS

AT OCTAVE BAND CENTER FREQUENCIES, Hz
Type Thickness 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 NRC

CB 300 1” (25mm) 0.08 0.25 0.72 0.88 0.93 0.94 0.70
(unfaced) 11/2” (38mm) 0.10 0.51 0.89 0.95 0.92 0.93 0.80
2” (51mm) 0.21 0.73 1.08 1.04 1.04 0.96 0.95
21/2” (38mm) 0.31 0.81 1.08 1.02 1.04 1.03 1.00
3” (76mm) 0.41 0.96 1.13 1.03 1.03 1.02 1.05
31/2” (89mm) 0.72 1.14 1.11 1.00 1.02 1.00 1.05
4” (102mm) 0.75 1.18 1.09 1.00 1.00 1.02 1.05
Table 6. Sound absorption data for CertaProTM Commercial Board,

Type CB 300, unfaced
13
Sound absorption and noise control
Sound absorption is used to control or reduce sound within a NET INSERTION LOSS 20dB 70dB OUTSIDE SOUND LEVEL
room, unlike sound transmission loss—which is used to
describe the transmission of sound from one room to another.
In addition to reducing the sound level in a room, the addition
of sound absorption in a room can also reduce the room’s
reverberation time. This is the time in seconds that it takes for
a sound to decay or decrease 60 dB in level. For good speech
intelligibility, the reverberation time in a room should be less
than 1.0 seconds.
As was discussed in the section Sound transmission and

noise control,when a noise source is enclosed to reduce the
transmission of noise, the inside surface of the enclosure
should be covered with a sound absorbing material. This is
because a noise enclosure with high sound insertion loss
properties will increase the noise level inside the enclosure
because the sound is trapped inside the enclosure. Fig. 16. Noise enclosure with interior sound absorption.
Exterior sound level is 70 dB.
For example: If a noise source sound level is 90 dB and it is
enclosed in a plywood housing having an insertion loss of 20
dB, the sound level within the enclosure should increase to 100
dB (Fig. 15). Thus, the sound level outside the enclosure will be
80 dB instead of the expected 70 dB. However, by adding sound
absorption to the inside of the enclosure, the sound level in the
enclosure will not increase to 100 dB and the level outside the
enclosure will be 70 dB (Fig. 16).
NET INSERTION LOSS 10dB 80dB OUTSIDE SOUND LEVEL
“harassing
Freedom from the
effects of
noise is one
Fig. 15. Noise enclosure without interior sound absorption.
Exterior sound level is 80 dB.
of the finest
qualities a building
can possess. ”
Vern A Knudsen and Cyril M Harris,
Acoustical Consultant
14
Sound level reduction calculation
216 SABINS ABSORPTION ACOUSTICAL CEILING
This same principle can be used simply to reduce the sound

level in a room. There is a simple relation between the
reduction in sound level in a room and the amount of sound
absorption added to the room. This relationship can be
expressed in the following equation:
Reduction in sound level = 10 log AA/AB dB

Where: AA = sound absorption in sabins in the room
after treatment, AB = sound absorption in sabins in the
room before treatment
For example, assume there is a room containing a noisy

machine, and we want to decrease the noise level in the room.
We can calculate how much the noise level will be reduced at a Fig. 18. Acoustical ceiling adds 156 sabins, reduces noise level
particular frequency by using the above equation. If we install 5.5 dB.
an acoustical ceiling in the room which now has only a gypsum
board ceiling, we can calculate the noise reduction in the room. Reverberation time calculation
Assume the ceiling is 600 sq. ft. and has an absorption
coefficient of 0.26 at 250 Hz. We will assume that the sabins of The equation for calculating reverberation time is:
absorption from all of the other surfaces in the room at 250 Hz Reverberation time(T60) = 0.049V/A seconds
totaled 60 sabins before the ceiling was installed (Fig. 17). Where: V = volume of the room, cu. ft
When the ceiling is installed a total of 156 (0.27 x 600) sabins A = sabins of absorption in the room
are added to the room. Now, the total amount of sabins at 250
Hz in the room is 60+156 = 216 sabins. Thus, the noise level in Using the room in the above example, we have a room volume
the room is reduced by 5.5 dB(10log 216/60) by adding a sound of 5,400 cu. ft (9x20x30 ft). The amount of sabins in the room
absorbing ceiling (Fig. 18). before the acoustical ceiling is installed is 60 sabins at 250 Hz .
Installation of the acoustical ceiling adds 156 sabins, for a total
of 216. Reverberation time in the room before the acoustical
60 SABINS ABSORPTION GYPSUM BOARD CEILING ceiling is installed is 4.4 seconds. After the ceiling is installed,
the reverberation time is 1.22 seconds. Now the lower rever-
beration time in the room with the acoustical ceiling provides
good speech intelligibility.
A worksheet for calculating the room noise reduction and

reverberation time is found in Section X of this manual.
Fig. 17. Room attenuation with gypsum board ceiling

= 60 sabins at 250 Hz.
15
VI. PRINCIPLES OF SPR NOISE CONTROL
We have shown that sound travels from the source, along Obviously, if the noise source is outdoors—in the form of traffic
a path, to the listener, or receiver. Hence the term SPR— noise, aircraft, power lawnmower, or any other source over
source, path, receiver noise control. Control of noise thus which we have no control, we cannot move, adjust, repair,
involves three considerations: Acoustical treatment at the service, or replace it. All we can do in that case is to try to
source of noise; acoustical treatment of the path it travels— reduce the noise along its path or at the receiver by building or
everything between the source and the receiver; and retrofitting high sound transmission loss into the exterior walls
acoustical treatment at the receiver—where the listener is. and roofs of our homes, offices, and public buildings to
attenuate these outside noises. It should be emphasized that it
The solution to a specific noise control situation often involves is far less costly to design noise control into a structure at the
considering the problem from one, two, or all three of these beginning than to retrofit after the building is built.
factors. However, it is almost always best to start at the
source. That’s where the most effective solutions to noise Controlling noise along its path:
control are likely to be easily achieved at the lowest cost.
Reflected sound may be reduced by placing sound absorbing
Controlling noise at the source: materials on surfaces from which sound will be reflected (Fig. 21).
Before designing acoustical treatment to attenuate noise at the

source, consider the following measures:
1. Moving the source to a more distant location or to
another area, where its noise will not reach an
objectionable level at the listener’s place.
2. Adjusting or modifying the source for quieter operation.
If for example the source of noise is a mechanism such
as a fan or motor, it may be operated at a lower speed.
3. Repairing or servicing the noise source. It may be as
simple a matter as lubricating gears, tensioning drive
belts, or tightening loose and vibrating screws or bolts.
4. Mounting the noise source on a resilient base (such as
springs or soft pads) to isolate vibration and thus
reduce the structureborne sound arriving at the Fig. 21. Sound absorbing materials on walls, ceiling, and floor
listener’s location.
5. Replacing the noise source with a quieter one. Modern Structureborne sound also travels along a path from source to
appliances, for example, generally operate much more receiver (listener). Sound waves can set walls and other
quietly than older models. structures into vibration; this motion travels through the
structure and is re-radiated in the form of noise. The only way
If these measures are not practical or, if attempted, fail to yield to reduce structureborne noise along its path is to put vibration
satisfactory results, the noise source should be enclosed within breaks in the structure. This treatment can be very expensive to
a housing having high sound transmission loss properties. install after a structure is built. It is more effective to prevent
Depending on the size of the noise source, such a housing vibration from entering a structure by isolating the source of
might be constructed of plywood, gypsum board, sheet metal, vibration from the structure.
or fiber glass reinforced plastic.
Controlling noise at the receiver:
We have shown that, if an enclosure with a high sound trans-
mission loss value is lined with a material having a high sound As noted, the first and most practical location for successful
absorption value, the overall sound transmission loss value will noise control is at the source. Other practical solutions to
be increased and the overall noise reduction improved. noise control are often those involving treatment of the
path, which usually involves multiple components—direct,
reflected, and flanking. If source control is not practical,
another approach would be to treat the problem at the
receiver.
16
“Temporary” sound control 3. Design the solution.
Direct ear protection (ear plugs or ear muffs) is often used to Once the noise source has been located, diagnosed, and
protect workers’ hearing when source and path noise control measured, the solution can be designed. The first approach to
are not practical or possible. However, such measures are solving the problem should generally focus on source control,
considered by the U. S. Occupational Safety and Health either by modifying the noise-producing element itself or by
Administration to be “temporary;” in most instances, OSHA covering it with an acoustical enclosure. If source attenuation is
mandates “permanent” noise reduction measures. There is only not practical, possible, or sufficient to lower the sound pressure
one way to provide “permanent” receiver noise control, and that level at the receiver position, then controlling or reducing the
is to enclose the listener in an acoustically effective enclosure noise at the receiver should be considered. Usually, noise
or room. control along the path should be considered only if it is not
possible to achieve the required noise reduction by source
The general principles of noise control at the source apply to and receiver treatment.
noise control at the receiver. However, there are additional
concerns involved including such features as doors, windows, Solving the noise problem may involve acoustic treatment at
ventilation, and lighting. All of these features will be required in more than one location. For example, acoustical enclosure of
an acoustically effective workplace, and all present their own the noise source plus sound absorbing materials along the
sets of noise control problems. noise path may be the most effective and economical way to
reduce to an acceptable level the sound pressure at the
Three steps to noise control solutions: receiver location.
1. Locate the source of noise. Designing a solution to the noise problem may involve
consideration of acoustical treatments that provide both
The first step in noise control is to investigate the real noise sound absorption and sound transmission loss properties.
source. It has been mentioned that noise control problems may For example, a plywood housing enclosing the noise source
involve merely moving the source farther from the receiver, may provide adequate sound transmission loss performance,
adjusting or repairing the source if it is a piece of noisy equipment, but its overall acoustical effectiveness will be improved by lining
or replacing it. If none of these work, an acoustically efficient it with a sound absorbing material such as fiber glass insulation.
enclosure will have to be designed. Once the true source has
been identified, the next step is to measure the noise. In any case, the services of a professional acoustical consultant
will be well worth their fee in terms of time and money saved,
2. Measure the noise. false starts avoided, noise problems solved, and productivity
and comfort restored.
A sound level meter is used to measure the noise level at
several locations—at its source, along its path, and at the
receiver or listener’s location—using the A-weighted scale
and also measuring the sound level in octave or third-octave
bands. Sound level meter readings will not only provide sound
pressure (loudness) levels at various locations, but will also
show which frequencies are most offensive to the listener.
This data will be helpful in selecting acoustical materials with
sound absorption and/or sound reduction properties best
“ The dollar cost of noise
suited to the particular application. ... is vague... although
certainly real enough.
But the loss in
real estate values
is plain for all to see.
R. A. Baron,
”
The Tyranny of noise
17
VII. HVAC NOISE CONTROL
If not acoustically treated, noise from heating, ventilating, Noise in air duct systems: Heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning
and air-conditioning equipment can travel from room to room ductwork can be a source of noise as well as a transmitter of
in the home or in the office. Noise produced by fans and motors it. Sheet metal ductwork without insulation can produce
of central air equipment can be transmitted throughout the popping and banging noises due to expansion and contraction
duct system. High air velocities in the duct system can cause caused by changes in air temperature. Components within the
noise-producing turbulence. Also, turning vanes, dampers, and duct system, abrupt changes in direction, and restrictions in
other elements inside the ducts; grilles and diffusers can whistle the system can produce turbulence and air rush noise.
or rattle. HVAC ductwork can also act as a “speaking tube,”
carrying conversations from one room or office into other spaces. Most of these noise problems can be solved with fiber glass
duct insulation in either of two forms:
Noise from central equipment: When operating heating and 1. Fiber glass duct liner, designed for installation inside
air-conditioning equipment, a good guideline is “lower and sheet metal ductwork to attenuate air rush and central
slower:” lower volumes of air moved through the system with equipment noise as well as to control heat loss or gain
fans and blowers operating at a slower speed. Central air through duct walls.
equipment should also be acoustically isolated from spaces 2. Fiber glass duct board, combining acoustical/thermal
where airborne noise would be objectionable. Equipment insulation with a reinforced foil-kraft air barrier/vapor
should be mounted on vibration isolators to avoid transmission retarder, from which complete air duct systems may be
of structureborne noise. Sound traps or baffles will help to fabricated.
attenuate equipment noise in adjacent ductwork. Fiber glass ducts wraps, used as thermal insulation on exteriors
of sheet metal ducts, provide little acoustical benefit except by
muffling the popping and banging noises when ducts undergo
temperature changes.
Table 7 comparing sound attenuation in dB per lineal foot of

uninsulated sheet metal, sheet metal lined with fiber glass duct
liner, and fiber glass duct board, shows significant perceived
noise reduction obtainable with fiber glass duct liner or duct
board. Note: Individual products are often compared by their
NRC values; however, differences of up to 0.1 in the NRC
values published by their manufacturers have an insignificant
effect on the sound attenuation in the installed duct.
Fig. 22. Significant noise reduction can be obtained by lining

Fig.
sheet metal ducts with fiber glass duct liner, or by fabricating
duct systems of fiber glass duct board.
OCTAVE BAND CENTER FREQUENCIES, Hz

125 250 500 1000 2000 4000
Uninsulated sheet metal ducts 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1
Sheet metal ducts with 1” duct liner 0.3 0.7 1.9 5.3 4.8 2.3
Fiber glass duct board, 1” thick 0.4 1.4 3.3 3.9 5.0 3.7
Table 7. Duct noise attenuation loss, dB per lineal foot
18
VIII. FIVE NOISE CONTROL MISTAKES TO AVOID
1. Thinking you don’t have a noise problem.
In a factory you have a noise problem if a person is exposed

to a noise level greater than an A-weighted level of 85 dB.
Ear protectors should only be considered a temporary
solution to such a noise problem. Even lower levels could be
a problem, such as a 55 dB level in a classroom. In general,
if communications is difficult in a noisy area, you have
a noise problem.
2. Not considering noise control before a project is started.
Although a source of noise can be treated after installation,

it’s generally twice as expensive and half as effective compared
with designing proper noise control into the system before the
noise source is installed.
3. Not conducting a detailed study of noisy equipment.
Most noisy equipment has several noise sources, all of

which must be considered. When analyzing noise sources,
the spectrum of the noise from the equipment needs to be
studied. At minimum, octave band noise levels from the
equipment should be obtained. You cannot solve a noise
problem by knowing only the overall noise level generated
by the equipment.
4. Not using a systems approach to noise control.
A common waste of noise control dollars is the failure to

consider all possible solutions and noise paths. To treat one
noise source and not consider all possible noise sources
could lead to unacceptable noise levels when a project is
completed. The same is true if only one path of noise
transmission is considered. All airborne and structureborne
noise paths must be studied.
5. Not sealing air leaks. “isInnomany instances it

more expensive
Sound always takes the easiest path around or through a
barrier. Construction gaps or air leaks are by far the easiest to design a machine
way for sound to pass from one space to another.
to operate quietly
than it is
to design it
to be noisy ”
George Diehl,
retired Acoustical Engineer
19
IX. DATA TABLES
Table I. ONE-THIRD OCTAVE BAND SOUND ABSORPTION COEFFICIENTS OF TYPICAL BUILDING MATERIALS
Product OCTAVE BAND CENTER FREQUENCIES,Hz

125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 NRC
Brick, unglazed .03 .03 .03 .04 .05 .07 .05

Brick, unglazed, painted .01 .01 .02 .02 .02 .03 .00
Concrete block, painted .10 .05 .06 .07 .09 .08 .05
Carpet, 1/8” pile height .05 .05 .10 .20 .30 .40 .15
Carpet, 1/4” pile height .05 .10 .15 .30 .50 .55 .25
Carpet, 3/16” combined pile and foam .05 .10 .10 .30 .40 .50 .25
Carpet. 5/16” combined pile and foam .05 .15 .30 .40 .50 .60 .35
Fabric, light velour, 10 oz/sq. yd. hung straight in contact with wall .03 .04 .11 .17 .24 .35 .15
Fabric, medium velour, 14 oz/sq. yd. draped to half area .07 .31 .49 .75 .70 .60 .55
Fabric, heavy velour, 18 oz/sq. yd. draped to half area .14 .35 .55 .72 .70 .65 .60
Floors, concrete or terrazzo .01 .01 .01 .02 .02 .02 .00
Floors, linoleum, asphalt, rubber or cork tile on concrete .02 .03 .03 .03 .03 .02 .05
Floors, wood .15 .11 .10 .07 .06 .07 .10
Floors, wood parquet in asphalt or concrete .04 .04 .07 .06 .06 .07 .05
Glass, 1/4”, sealed, large panes .05 .03 .02 .02 .03 .02 .05
Glass, 24 oz. operable windows, closed .10 .05 .04 .03 .03 .03 .05
Gypsum board, 1/2”, nailed to 2x4s 16” on centers, painted .10 .08 .05 .03 .03 .03 .05
Marble or glazed tile .01 .01 .01 .01 .02 .02 .00
Plaster, gypsum or lime, rough finish or lath .02 .03 .04 .05 .04 .03 .05
Plaster, gypsum or lime, smooth finish .02 .02 .03 .04 .04 .03 .05
Plywood paneling, 1/4” thick, wood frame .58 .22 .07 .04 .03 .07 .10
Water surface, as in swimming pool .01 .01 .01 .01 .02 .03 .00
Wood roof decking, tongue-in-groove cedar .24 .19 .14 .08 .13 .10 .15
From Acoustical Ceilings—Use and Practice, Ceilings and Interior Systems Contractors Association (1984). p. 18.
“ If the acoustician
does his job,
no one knows
he has been there. ”
Howard Kingsbury,
Professor and Consultant
20
Table II. ONE-THIRD OCTAVE BAND SOUND ABSORPTION COEFFICIENTS, CERTAINTEED FIBER GLASS INSULATIONS
CertainTeed CertaPro™ Commercial Board, Unfaced Tested in accordance with ASTM C 423, ASTM E 795 Type A mounting
Product Thickness OCTAVE BAND CENTER FREQUENCIES, Hz

in. mm 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 NRC
CB 150 1 1/ 2 38 0.19 0.51 0.82 0.86 0.95 0.97 0.80

2 51 0.23 0.61 0.94 0.97 0.98 0.96 0.90
2 1/ 2 64 0.41 0.78 0.96 0.94 0.93 0.97 0.90
3 76 0.41 0.94 1.07 1.01 1.00 0.97 1.00
3 1/ 2 89 0.60 1.08 1.09 1.02 1.04 1.06 1.05
4 102 0.64 1.05 1.07 0.97 0.96 1.01 1.00
CB 225 1 25 0.06 0.30 0.68 0.85 0.91 0.94 0.70
1 1/ 2 38 0.12 0.48 0.83 0.90 0.90 0.89 0.80
2 51 0.22 0.63 1.04 1.00 1.00 0.97 0.90
2 1/ 2 64 0.31* 0.81* 1.08* 1.02* 1.04* 1.03* 1.00*
3 76 0.34 0.95 1.08 0.99 0.98 0.99 1.00
3 1/ 2 89 0.54 1.11 1.12 1.01 1.02 1.00 1.05
4 102 0.70 1.15 1.12 0.99 1.01 1.08 1.05
CB 300 1 25 0.08 0.25 0.72 0.88 0.93 0.94 0.70
1 1/ 2 38 0.10 0.51 0.89 0.95 0.92 0.93 0.80
2 51 0.21 0.73 1.08 1.04 1.04 0.96 0.95
2 1/ 2 64 0.31 0.81 1.08 1.02 1.04 1.03 1.00
3 76 0.41 0.96 1.13 1.03 1.03 1.02 1.05
3 1/ 2 89 0.72 1.14 1.11 1.00 1.02 1.00 1.05
4 102 0.75 1.18 1.09 1.00 1.00 1.02 1.05
CB 600 1 25 0.05 0.27 0.78 0.97 0.97 0.91 0.75
1 1/ 2 38 0.17 0.50 0.98 1.03 0.99 0.98 0.90
2 51 0.31 0.89 1.07 0.99 1.02 0.98 1.00
*Estimated sound absorption coefficients and NRC
CertainTeed CertaPro™ AcoustaBoard™ Black Tested in accordance with ASTM C 423, ASTM E 795 Type A mounting

in. mm 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 NRC
TYPE 225 1 25 0.06 0.25 0.58 0.85 0.91 0.94 0.65

1 1/ 2 38 0.12 0.48 0.83 0.90 0.90 0.89 0.80
2 51 0.20 0.72 1.08 1.04 1.01 0.98 0.95
TYPE 300 1 25 0.05 0.26 0.69 0.89 0.92 0.96 0.70
1 1/ 2 38 0.10 0.51 0.89 0.95 0.92 0.93 0.80
2 51 0.17 0.76 1.05 1.02 0.95 0.96 0.95
CertainTeed CertaPro™ AcoustaBlanket™ Black Tested in accordance with ASTM C 423 , ASTM E 795 Type A mounting

in. mm 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 NRC
TYPE 150 1 25 0.10 0.32 0.66 0.84 0.91 0.91 0.70

1 1/ 2 38 0.11 0.52 0.95 0.96 0.99 0.96 0.85
2 51 0.24 0.79 1.09 1.05 1.02 1.01 1.00
1
TYPE 200 /2 13 0.03 0.12 0.35 0.61 0.75 0.84 0.45
21
Table III. ONE-THIRD OCTAVE BAND SOUND TRANSMISSION LOSS VALUES, COMMON BUILDING MATERIALS
Product OCTAVE BAND CENTER FREQUENCIES, Hz

125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 STC
Plywood, 1/2”, 1.33 lb/sq.ft. 17 20 23 23 23 24 21

Plywood, 3/4”, 2.00 lb/sq.ft. 19 23 27 25 22 30 24
Sheet metal, 16 gauge, 2.38 lb/sq.ft. 18 22 28 31 35 41 31

Gypsum board, 1/2”, 1.80 lb/sq.ft. 18 22 26 29 27 26 26

Gypsum board, 5/8", 2.20 lb/sq.ft, 19 22 25 28 22 31 26
Glass, single strength, 3/32", 1.08 lb/sq.ft. 15 18 25 26 28 29 26

Glass, double strength, 1/8", 1.40 lb/sq.ft. 16 19 25 29 30 20 24
Glass, plate, 1/4”, 2.78 lb/sq.ft. 20 25 26 30 23 30 27
Acrylic sheet, 1/8", 0.75 lb/sq.ft. 14 17 22 24 27 34 24

Acrylic sheet, 1/4”, 1.45 lb/sq.ft. 16 19 26 27 30 29 27
Acrylic sheet, 1/2”, 2.75 lb/sq.ft. 20 24 27 30 29 35 29
Lead vinyl, 1.25 lb/sq.ft. 17 19 28 30 34 39 29
Table IV. ONE-THIRD OCTAVE BAND SOUND TRANSMISSION LOSS VALUES, WOOD STUD WALL ASSEMBLIES
Data source: National Research Council of Canada

Single 2”x4” studs, 16” centers 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 STC
1 layer 1/2” Type X gypsum board each side 22 43 56 65 63 53 46

Resilient channels on 24”centers
31/2” CertainTeed fiber glass insulation
1 layer 5/8” Type X gypsum board each side 27 42 51 52 55 57 50

Resilient channels on 24” centers
2 layers 1/2” Type X gypsum board one side 27 40 59 68 67 59 51

1 layer 1/2” Type X gypsum board other side
2 layers 5/8" Type X gypsum board one side 29 46 56 64 56 64 53

1 layer 5/8" Type X gypsum board other side
22
2 layers 1/2” Type X gypsum board both sides 33 51 61 69 70 64 57


Staggered 2”x4” studs, 16” centers, on 2”x 6” wood plate 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 STC
1 layer 1/2” Type X gypsum board both sides 21 41 50 59 61 57 45


1 layer 5/8” Type X gypsum board one side 30 46 52 56 52 65 52

2 layers 5/8” Type X gypsum board other side



Double 2”x4” studs, 16” centers, 2”x4” wood plates, 1/2” space between 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 STC

23
Double 2”x4” studs, 16” centers, 2”x4” wood plates, 1/2” space between 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 STC

2 layers 31/2” CertainTeed fiber glass insulation





Table V. ONE-THIRD OCTAVE BAND SOUND TRANSMISSION LOSS VALUES, STEEL STUD WALL ASSEMBLIES
Data source: National Research Council of Canada

Single 21/2” steel studs, 24” centers 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 STC

21/2” CertainTeed AcoustaTherm batts



24




31/2” CertainTeed Acousta Therm batts




25
1 layer 1/2” Type X gypsum board one side 20* 35* 46* 47* 45* 49* 42*
1” shaft liner other side
11/2” CertainTeed Partition batt
* Test results from National Gypsum Corporation
2 layers 1/2” Type X gypsum board one side 23* 38* 47* 49* 51* 51* 47*
1” shaft liner other side
1 layer 1/2” Type X gypsum board both sides 21* 39* 47* 50* 54* 51* 45*
1” shaft liner one side

Single 6” steel studs, 24” centers 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 STC

61/4” CertaPro AcoustaTherm batts
26
Chase walls – double steel stud, 24” centers 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 STC

Two 21/2” CertaPro AcoustaTherm batts



27
X. APPENDIX
Guide Specification 1.06 Limitations
Part 1 - General A. Do not use unfaced insulation in exposed applications

where there is potential for skin contact and irritation.
1.01 Summary
Part 2 – Products
A. Provide glass fiber acoustical insulation as indicated in
building plans. 2.01 Manufacturer
1.02 Materials Provided in Other Sections A. CertainTeed Corporation, Valley Forge, PA.
These sections are typically cross-referenced. Delete sections 2.02 Material

not included in project manual.
[A. Section 09250 – Gypsum Board] (Specify name of CertainTeed fiber glass acoustical
[B. Section 09260 – Gypsum Board Systems] insulation product)
[C. Section 09100 – Metal Support Systems]
A. Type: Unfaced fiber glass acoustical insulation complying
1.03 References with ASTM C 665.
B. Combustion characteristics: Passes ASTM E 136 test.
A. ASTM Standards C. Surface burning characteristics:
1. ASTM E 90, Laboratory Measurement of Airborne 1. Maximum flame spread: 25.
Sound Transmission Loss of Building Partitions 2. Maximum smoke developed: 50
2. ASTM E 413, Rating Sound Insulation when tested in accordance with ASTM E 84.*
3. ASTM E 84, Test Method for Surface Burning D. Fire resistance rating: Passes ASTM E 119 test.
Characteristics of Building Materials E. Sound transmission class of the assembly: STC =
4. ASTM E 119, Method for Fire Tests of Building F. Size of insulation:
Construction Materials 1. Thickness,
5. ASTM E 136, Test Method for Behavior of Materials in 2. Width,
a Vertical Tube Furnace at 750°C 3. Length,
6. ASTM C 518, Test Method for Steady State Thermal
Transmission Properties by Means of the Heat Flow Meter 2.03 Gypsum Board
7. ASTM C 665, Specification for Mineral Fiber Blanket
Thermal Insulation for Light Frame Construction and A. Refer to Section (09250) (09260) for detailed specifications.
Manufactured Housing Select appropriate construction:
[B. Type: 1/2” thick, Type X gypsum panels]
1.04 Submittals [C. Type: 5/8” thick, Type X gypsum panels]
A. Product Data: Submit manufacturer’s product literature, 2.04 Metal Framing

samples and installation instructions for specified insulation.
A. Refer to Section (09250) (09260) for detailed specifications.
1.05 Delivery, Storage and Handling Select appropriate construction:
[B. Type: 21/2” steel stud]
A. Protect insulation from physical damage and from becoming [C. Type: 35/8” steel stud]
wet, soiled, or covered with ice or snow. Comply with
manufacturer’s recommendations for handling, storage and
protection during installation.
B. Label insulation packages to include material name,
production date and/or product code.
Delete paragraph below if sections 01600 or 01620 are not
included in project manual.
[C. Deliver and store materials under provisions of section
(01600) (01620).]
28
Part 3 – Execution Background noise: Noise from all sources unrelated to a
particular sound that is the object of interest. Background noise
3.01 Inspection and Preparation may include airborne, structureborne, and instrument noise.
A. Examine substrates and conditions under which insulation Decibel (dB): The term used to identify ten times the com-
work is to be performed. A satisfactory substrate is one that mon logarithm of the ratio of two like quantities proportional
complies with requirements of the section in which substrate to power or energy. (See Sound transmission loss.) Thus, one
and related work is specified. decibel corresponds to a power ratio of (10 to the 0.1 power)
B. Obtain installer’s written report listing conditions detrimental to the n power. Note: Since the decibel expresses the ratio of
to performance of work in this section. Do not proceed with two like quantities, it has no dimensions. It is, however,
installation until unsatisfactory conditions have been corrected. common practice to treat “decibel” as a unit, as for example
C. Clean substrates of substances harmful to insulation. in the sentence: “The average sound pressure level in the
room is 45 decibels.”
3.02 Installation – General
Diffuse sound field: The sound in a region where the intensity
A. Comply with manufacturer’s instructions for particular is the same in all directions and at every point.
conditions of installation in each case.
B. Batts may be friction-fit in place until the interior finish is Direct sound field: The sound that arrives directly from a
applied. Install batts to fill entire stud cavity. If stud cavity is source without reflection.
less than 96” in height, cut lengths to friction-fit against floor
and ceiling tracks. Walls with penetrations require that Flanking transmission: The transmission of sound between
insulation be carefully cut to fit around outlets, junction boxes two rooms by any path other than directly through a common
and other irregularities. partition.
C. Where insulation must extend higher then 8 feet,
supplementary support can be provided to hold product in Frequency: The number of cycles per second measured in
place until the interior finish is applied. units of Hertz (Hz). One hertz is one complete oscillation per
second. A frequency of 1000 Hz means 1000 cycles per
*This standard is used solely to measure and describe the second.
properties of products in response to heat and flame under
controlled conditions. These numerical ratings are not Impact insulation class (IIC): A single number rating derived
intended to reflect hazards presented by this or any other from measured values of normalized impact sound pressure
material under actual fire conditions. Values are reported levels in accordance with Annex 1 of ASTM Method E 492,
to the nearest 5 rating. Laboratory Measurement of Impact Sound Transmission
Through Floor-Ceiling Assemblies Using the Tapping Machine.
GLOSSARY OF ACOUSTICAL TERMS It provides an estimate of the impact sound insulation
performance of a floor-ceiling assembly.
Acoustical material: Any material considered in terms of its
acoustical properties. Commonly and especially, a material Noise: Unwanted sound.
designed to absorb sound.
Noise isolation class (NIC): A single number rating calculated
Airborne sound: Sound which arrives at the point of concern, from measured values of noise reduction as though they were
such as one side of a wall, by propagation through air. values of transmission loss. The NIC determined in accordance
with ASTM standard E 413, Determination of Sound Transmission
A-weighted sound level (dB): The most common single number Class. It provides an estimate of the sound isolation between
rating system for measuring the loudness of a noise. It may two enclosed spaces that are acoustically connected.
be read directly on most sound level meters by selecting the
designated scale. It is obtained by applying the A-weighted Noise reduction (NR): In a specified frequency band, the
frequency response curve to the measured sound. The difference between the space-time average sound pressure
response curve is indicative of the way humans respond to levels produced in two enclosed spaces or one of them.
different frequencies. Note: it is implied that in each room individual observations
are randomly distributed about the average value, with no
Attenuation: The reduction in magnitude of airborne sound systematic variation within the position within the permissible
pressure level between two points in the sound transmission measurement region. Noise reduction becomes meaningless
path from source to receiver. and should not be used in situations where this condition is
not met.
29
Noise reduction coefficient (NRC): A single number rating Sound transmission class (STC): A single number rating
derived from measured values of sound absorption coefficients derived from measured values of transmission in accordance
in accordance with ASTM Test Method C 423, Sound Absorption with ASTM Classification E 413, Determination of Sound
and Sound Absorption Coefficients by the Reverberation Room Transmission Class. It provides an estimate of the performance
Method. It provides an estimate of the sound absorptive of a partition in certain common sound insulation problems.
property of an acoustical material. NRC values range from 0 for
hard, reflective materials such as flat glass and gypsum board Sound transmission loss (STL): Of a partition, in a specified
to 1.2 for several inches of highly efficient fiber glass. frequency band, the times the common logarithm of the ratio
of the airborne sound power incident on the partition to the
Octave band: A range of frequency where the highest frequency sound power transmitted by the partition and radiated on the
of the band is double the lowest frequency of the band. The other side. The quantity so obtained is expressed in decibels.
band is usually specified by the center frequency. Note: Unless qualified, the term denotes the sound transmission
loss obtained when the specimen is exposed to a diffuse
Reverberation: The persistence of sound in an enclosed or sound field as approximated in reverberation rooms meeting
partially enclosed space after the source of the sound has the requirements of ASTM Test Method E 90, Laboratory
stopped. Measurement of Airborne Sound Transmission Loss of
Building Partitions.
Reverberation time: The time required for the average sound
intensity of an enclosed space to decrease by 60 dB after the Speech intelligibility: The proportion of meaningful speech
sound source becomes silent. that is correctly interpreted by a listener.
Sabin: The unit of measure of sound absorption in the Structureborne sound: Sound that arrives at the point of
inch-pound system. concern by propagation through a solid structure.
Sound absorption average (SAA): A single number rating

similar to the NRC used to express the sound absorbing
properties of a material. It is equal to the average of the sound
absorption coefficients of a material from 200 through 2500 Hz.
Sound absorption coefficient (a, dimensionless): Metric sabin/

m2 of a surface, in a specified frequency band, The measure of
the absorptive property of a material as approximated by
ASTM Test Method C 423, Sound Absorption and Sound
Absorption Coefficients by the Reverberation Room Method.
Ideally, the fraction of the randomly incident sound power
level absorbed or not otherwise reflected. “Letbetheheard.
word
Sound attenuation: (1) The reduction of the intensity of a
sound as it travels from the source to a receiving location.
”
Anne Seltz, Audiologist
Sound absorption is often involved as, for instance, in a lined
air duct. (2) Spherical spreading and scattering or other
attenuation mechanisms.
Sound level meter: An instrument that measured sound

pressure levels with a microphone which converts sound
pressure waves to an electrical signal.
Sound pressure level (Lp): Of airborne sound, ten times the

common logarithm of the ratio of the square of the sound
pressure under consideration to the square of the standard
reference pressure of 20 microPa. The quantity so obtained
is expressed in decibels.
30
WORKSHEET FOR DETERMINING ROOM NOISE REDUCTION AND REVERBERATION TIME
Noise reduction in a room due to the addition of sound absorption:
A. Calculation of sabins in room before sound absorption is added
1. Area of various walls:

2. Absorption coefficient:
3. Sabins (1x2):
4. Area of floor: x Absorption coefficient = sabins
5. Area of ceiling: x Absorption coefficient = sabins
6. Sabins of other surfaces in the room (area x abs. coeff.):
7. Total sabins in room: sabins
B. Calculation of sabins in room after sound absorption is added
1. Area of various walls:

2. Absorption coefficient:
3. Sabins (1x2):
4. Area of floor: x Absorption coefficient = sabins
5. Area of ceiling: x Absorption coefficient = sabins
6. Sabins of other surfaces in the room (area x abs. coeff.):
7. Total sabins in room: sabins
C. Calculation of noise reduction

1. Divide value in line B.7 by A.7
2. Take the logarithm to the base 10 of the result from C.1
3. Multiply the value from C.3 by 10
4. The result is the amount of noise reduction in dB at the chosen frequency
Calculation of reverberation time in a room:

1. Calculate the volume of the room in cubic feet.
2. Multiply the volume of the room by 0.049
3. Determine the total amount of sabins in the room (see above calculations for determining sabins in a room)
4. Divide the value from line 2 by the value from line 3. This is the reverberation time in seconds.
FOR FURTHER READING on the subject of noise control:
• ASHRAE Handbook, HVAC Applications, 1999

• Leo L. Beranek: Noise Reduction. McGraw-Hill, 1960
• L. L. Faulkner: Handbook of Industrial Noise Control. Industrial Press, Inc., 1976
• Cyril M. Harris: Handbook of Acoustical Measurements and Noise Control, third edition.
Acoustical Society of America, Item #1-56396-774
• Cyril M. Harris: Noise Control in Buildings. McGraw-Hill, 1994
• Karl D. Kryter: The Effects of Noise on Man. Academic Press, 1970
• Mark E. Schaffer: A Practical Guide to Noise and Vibration Control for HVAC Systems. Available from ASHRAE.
31
CertainTeed Acoustical Insulations
CertainTeed CertaProTM fiber glass insulations for commercial
acoustical/thermal applications Thermal FSK-25 Faced Batts
CertainTeed Corporation manufactures a complete line of fiber Light-density fiber glass batts with a foil/scrim/
glass insulation for new and existing commercial buildings. kraft (FSK) fire resistant vapor retarder facing.
This CertaProTM line provides excellent acoustical and thermal Lightweight; easily fabricated and installed.
performance. Here are brief descriptions; for complete information, Used to improve thermal performance of
ask for CertaPro Catalog 30-25-031. exterior and interior walls and floor/ceiling
assemblies where a FHC rating of 25/50 is
AcoustaThermTM Batts required. R-values: 11, 19 (RSI: 1.94, 3.35).
Unfaced, light-density fiber glass batts Thermal Extended Flange Batts

designed for use in steel construction. Batts
for interior walls designed for friction-fit Light-density faced fiber glass blankets with
installation. Unfaced or kraft faced ceiling 4” (102mm) flange facings. Three facings:
batts designed to lie directly on ceiling black or white poly/scrim/kraft (PSK), foil/scrim/
suspension systems. Faced batts have no kraft (FSK). They increase sound transmission
tabs; they are installed butted together. Used to enhance class (STC) ratings and add thermal performance
acoustical and thermal performance of exterior and interior walls; below panel wood deck roof systems. Class A,
to improve sound transmission loss performance of suspended Class I, FHC 25/50 rated surface for exposed applications. R-values:
ceiling systems. R-values from 8 to 30 (RSI: 1.41 to 5.28). 19, 30 (RSI: 3.35, 5.28).
Partition Batts Commercial Board: Unfaced, FSK Faced, ASJ Faced
Unfaced, light-density fiber glass batts Boards of resin bonded glass fibers in a
11/2” (38mm) thick, for use in steel stud range of densities. Unfaced boards for use
construction. Sized for friction-fit installation. where exterior finish is applied. Foil/scrim/
Will not rot or mildew; resists fungal growth. kraft (FSK) faced boards provide a clean
Rated noncombustible per ASTM E 136. metallic finish. All service jacket (ASJ) faced
Used to enhance acoustical and thermal boards provide a white finish. Adds sound
performance of shaftwalls and low-profile partition walls. R-value: absorption properties to interior spaces. For exposed or
5.8 (RSI: 1.02). non-exposed applications requiring FHC 25/50 rating. R-values
from 6 to 17.4 (RSI: 1.96 to 3.06).
Thermal Kraft Faced Batts
AcoustaBoardTM Black
Light-density fiber glass batts with a kraft
vapor retarder facing. Lightweight; easily Rigid glass fiber board with an abuse
fabricated and installed. Will not rot or mildew; resistant black non-woven facing. Class A,
resists fungal growth. Used to improve Class I, FHC 25/50 rated surface for exposed
thermal performance of exterior and interior applications. Used for sound control in
walls and floor/ceiling assemblies in non- theaters, sound studios, and entertainment
exposed applications. R-values: 11, 19 (RSI: 1.94, 3.35). facilities in applications requiring an exposed,
black faced sound absorbing insulation. Deep black facing.
Thermal Foil Faced Batts R-values: 4.3, 6.5, 8.7 (RSI: 0.76, 1.14, 1.53).
Light-density fiber glass batts with a foil AcoustaBlanketTM Black

vapor retarder facing. Lightweight; easily
fabricated and installed. Will not rot or mildew; Black glass fiber blanket with an abuse
resists fungal growth. Used to improve resistant black surface. Class A, Class I, FHC
thermal performance of exterior and interior 25/50 rated surface for exposed applications.
walls and floor/ceiling assemblies where FHC Used for sound control in theaters, sound
75/450 rating is required. R-values from 11 to 38 (RSI: 1.94 to 6.69). studios and entertainment facilities which
require a black sound absorbing insulation.
R-values from 2.1 to 8.3 (RSI: 0.37 to 1.46).
32
Other CertainTeed products that provide effective noise
control solutions in commercial construction CertainTeed ToughGardTM Rigid Duct Liner Board
CertainTeed Corporation also manufactures fiber glass Acoustical and thermal insulation board
acoustical/thermal insulations for application to HVAC systems. composed of glass fibers bonded together
CertainTeed’s ECOPHON® Commercial Ceiling Systems and with a thermosetting resin. The air stream
wall panels combine acoustical performance with high aesthetic surface is an extremely tough, durable,
values and integrated lighting. For additional information, see fire-resistant black composite. Used as
publication references for each product as given below. acoustical and thermal insulation for lining
large sheet metal heating, ventilating and air-conditioning
CertainTeed ToughGardTM Duct Board with Enhanced Surface ducts and plenums. Request Publication 30-33-005.
Rigid boards of resin bonded glass fibers with CertainTeed Insul-Safe® 4 Fiber Glass Blowing Insulation
a reinforced foil laminate air barrier/vapor
retarder and a tough, durable, fire-resistant Loose fill insulation applied using pneumatic
black composite air stream surface. Used to blowing machines. For installation in open
fabricate supply and return air ducts for blow or closed cavities covered with netting
commercial and residential heating, ventilating or fabric. Used to provide acoustical and
and air-conditioning systems. Provides thermal and acoustical thermal performance in open (ceiling) cavities,
insulation along with substantially air-tight, quiet air delivery. and to add acoustical and thermal performance
Request Publication 30-34-006. to wall cavities in new commercial construction. Approved for use
with the Blow-In-Blanket® system. Request Publication 30-24-231.
CertainTeed Ultra*DuctTM Gold Duct Board
Acoustical Ceiling Batts
Rigid boards of resin bonded glass fibers
with a reinforced foil laminate air barrier/ CertaSoundTM Acoustical Ceiling Batts are
vapor retarder. Used to fabricate supply and designed to lie directly on suspended
return air ducts for commercial and residential ceilings, providing excellent thermal
heating, ventilating and air-conditioning protection and acoustical performance.
systems. Provides thermal and acoustical They are available unfaced or with kraft
insulation along with substantially air-tight, quiet air delivery. facing. Kraft-faced CertaSoundTM
Request Publication 30-34-001. Acoustical Ceiling Batts, due to their intended application,
have no stapling flanges. Request Publication 30-21-1319
CertainTeed ToughGardTM Duct Liner with Enhanced Surface
OPTIMA® Loose Fill Fiber Glass Insulation for Closed Cavity
Acoustical and thermal insulation blanket Applications
composed of long textile-type glass fibers
firmly bonded together with a thermosetting High quality unbonded, non-settling white
resin. The air stream surface is overlaid with virgin fiber glass designed for pneumatic
an extremely tough, durable, fire-resistant installation in closed cavities covered with
black composite. Used as acoustical and non-woven OPTIMA fabric or equivalent.
thermal insulation for lining sheet metal heating, ventilating Used to add acoustical and thermal
and air-conditioning ducts. Request Publication 30-33-008. performance to wall cavities in new
commercial construction or as retrofit insulation in enclosed,
CertainTeed ToughGardTM R Duct Liner with Enhanced Surface uninsulated construction assemblies. Request Publication
30-24-216.
Acoustical and thermal insulation blanket
composed of rotary type glass fibers bonded ECOPHON® Commercial Ceiling Systems
together with a thermosetting resin. The air
stream surface is an extremely tough, durable, High density resin bonded glass wool ceiling
fire-resistant black composite. Used as tiles, wall panels, and baffles in a variety of
acoustical and thermal insulation for lining edge details. The system combines acoustical
sheet metal heating, ventilating and air-conditioning ducts. performance and high aesthetic values with
Request Publication 30-33-011. integrated lighting in a fully demountable
concealed-grid system for commercial
applications. For additional information contact ECOPHON®
using their toll free telephone number: 1-877-258-7845.
Since 1904
Celebrating a Century of Building America
CertainTeed Corporation
A Saint-Gobain Company
P.O. Box 860
Valley Forge, PA 19482
1-800-233-8990
www.certainteed.com
Fax-on-demand: 1-800-947-0057
Code No. 30-25-047 © 2003 Certain Teed Corporation 10/03

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Noise Control in Buildings

Guidelines for Acoustical Problem-Solving

Take a seat—any seat—in the great semicircular outdoor

Still, little was known about the physical science and

Kundt’s tube made it possible to determine the wavelength of

Today’s precision electronic instruments tell us that, in 68°F

Building and Acoustical Consultant

To control sound in today’s built environment, we need to

Once these fundamental properties of sound or sound waves

Sound is a form of mechanical energy transmitted by vibration

For purposes of noise control, acousticians divide the audible

Octave band center

Table 1. Octave band and band limits

Fig. 5. Two sounds of equal frequency and differing amplitude.

Table 3. Adding dB to sound levels for second source

For example: If both motors are emitting 65 dB, when the

Noise Criteria (NC) curves are one of several systems used to

Detailed guidelines for determining allowable sound levels can

“All materials are

Fig. 9. Noise criteria curves for octave band center frequencies

Sound paths: Structureborne sound

There are only three basic ways to attenuate or reduce sound,

if you can’t see the

Table 5 shows the relationship between STC and noise control

STC Rating Speech Audibility Effectiveness

15 to 25 Normal speech easily understood Poor

The values above are based on a typical A-weighted

EFFECTIVE NOISE REDUCTION VALUES, dB OCTAVE BAND CENTER FREQUENCIES, Hz

1 /2” plywood, unlined 13 14 15 21 21 25

Controlling sound transmission through floors is an important

Cushioning floor impact with a carpet and pad is one of the

SOUND ABSORPTION COEFFICIENTS

Type Thickness 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 NRC

Table 6. Sound absorption data for CertaProTM Commercial Board,

As was discussed in the section Sound transmission and

NET INSERTION LOSS 10dB 80dB OUTSIDE SOUND LEVEL

This same principle can be used simply to reduce the sound

Reduction in sound level = 10 log AA/AB dB

For example, assume there is a room containing a noisy

A worksheet for calculating the room noise reduction and

Fig. 17. Room attenuation with gypsum board ceiling

Before designing acoustical treatment to attenuate noise at the

Table 7 comparing sound attenuation in dB per lineal foot of

Fig. 22. Significant noise reduction can be obtained by lining

OCTAVE BAND CENTER FREQUENCIES, Hz

In a factory you have a noise problem if a person is exposed

2. Not considering noise control before a project is started.

Although a source of noise can be treated after installation,

3. Not conducting a detailed study of noisy equipment.

Most noisy equipment has several noise sources, all of

4. Not using a systems approach to noise control.

A common waste of noise control dollars is the failure to

5. Not sealing air leaks. “isInnomany instances it

Product OCTAVE BAND CENTER FREQUENCIES,Hz

Brick, unglazed .03 .03 .03 .04 .05 .07 .05

Product Thickness OCTAVE BAND CENTER FREQUENCIES, Hz

CB 150 1 1/ 2 38 0.19 0.51 0.82 0.86 0.95 0.97 0.80

*Estimated sound absorption coefficients and NRC

Product Thickness OCTAVE BAND CENTER FREQUENCIES, Hz

TYPE 225 1 25 0.06 0.25 0.58 0.85 0.91 0.94 0.65

Product Thickness OCTAVE BAND CENTER FREQUENCIES, Hz

TYPE 150 1 25 0.10 0.32 0.66 0.84 0.91 0.91 0.70

Product OCTAVE BAND CENTER FREQUENCIES, Hz